Douglas County Prosecutor's Office shifts leadership amid Chelan Hills Fire case

The Douglas County Prosecutor's Office is undergoing leadership changes amid the ongoing investigation into the deadly Chelan Hills Fire. Deputy prosecutor Callan Martinez resigned abruptly on Tuesday, the same day Douglas County Commissioners announced that former Prosecutor Gordon Edgar would serve as the interim replacement for Sean Lewis through mid-November.

Lewis stepped down earlier this month due to health reasons. Although he resigned, his name will remain on the November general election ballot. The county plans to appoint a new interim prosecutor to replace Edgar in early 2027.

The office is currently preparing to prosecute five teenagers, with a potential sixth individual, for the Chelan Hills Fire. The fire, allegedly caused by the illegal discharge of fireworks near Beebe Bridge during high winds on July 4th, destroyed approximately 20 homes, injured six firefighters, and resulted in the death of 69-year-old Robert Lister.